Леонардо. Гений несовершенства

Vittorio Sgarbi asks questions about Leonardo da Vinci’s art and faith. Why did Leonardo leave so much work undone? How does Duchamp’s urinal relate to the Mona Lisa? What did Leonardo believe about God? These questions shape a study of genius and flaws.

This art history book is for readers drawn to Leonardo’s life and work. It looks at those who paid him to make art. It also looks at those who owned and collected it. Sgarbi traces his years in Florence, Milan, and France. He shows how each phase fits its time and art world.

Sgarbi is an Italian art historian. He draws on his own study of art. He uses accounts by Giorgio Vasari and Leonardo’s peers, too. He tracks works of art as they change hands. One tale tells of the Benois Madonna. A Russian merchant bought it from Italian musicians who travelled.